Keyboard with integrated pointer control function

Abstract

A dual-function keyboard with two operational modes, a typing mode and a pointing mode. In the typing mode, each visible key functions as in a standard keyboard. In the pointing mode, all the keys function as pointer controllers. The keyboard also employs a novel “one-hot-encoding” circuitry that simplifies the wiring while allowing digital detection of any number of keys that are simultaneously depressed. The keyboard may be made of flexible materials and may be rolled-up or folded for easy transportation.

1. A keyboard comprising:
 a plurality of keys, wherein said plurality of keys includes a plurality of key areas and a plurality of key sensors; 
 a mode switch for switching said keyboard from a typing mode, in which said plurality of key sensors generates normal keyboard signals including alphanumeric signals when key areas are contacted, to a pointing mode, in which each of said plurality of key sensors generates a corresponding pointer movement signal when a corresponding key area is contacted; and 
 a reference point, wherein said pointer movement signal provides pointer direction and pointer speed of a pointer based on a key direction and key distance of said corresponding key area relative to said reference point. 
 
   
   
     2. The keyboard of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a surface layer of said keyboard, wherein said plurality of key areas is arranged on a top side of said surface layer. 
 
   
   
     3. The keyboard of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a plurality of hidden keys in said top side of said surface layer, wherein said plurality of hidden keys provide further resolution to said corresponding pointer movement signal. 
 
   
   
     4. The keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein said pointer direction is based on said key direction of said corresponding key area relative to said reference point. 
   
   
     5. The keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein said pointer speed is based on said key distance of said corresponding key area relative to said reference point. 
   
   
     6. The keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein said keyboard remains in said pointing mode as long as said mode switch is actuated. 
   
   
     7. The keyboard of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a left mouse button; and 
 a right mouse button. 
 
   
   
     8. The keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein said keyboard is foldable. 
   
   
     9. The keyboard of  claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of key sensors comprises a corresponding key switch and a corresponding keychip. 
   
   
     10. The keyboard of  claim 9 , wherein said corresponding key chip comprises a debouncer circuit. 
   
   
     11. A keyboard comprising:
 a surface layer having a top side; 
 a plurality of visible keys comprising a plurality of marked key areas on said top side; 
 a plurality of hidden keys comprising a plurality of unmarked key areas on said top side; 
 a plurality of key sensors proximally located under marked and unmarked key areas on said top side that generate signals; and 
 a mode switch for switching said keyboard from a typing mode, in which key sensors associated with said plurality of visible keys generate normal keyboard signals including alphanumeric signals when corresponding marked key areas are contacted, to a pointing mode, in which at least one of said plurality of key sensors when actuated generates a corresponding pointer movement signal. 
 
   
   
     12. The keyboard of  claim 11 , wherein in said pointing mode, each of said plurality of key sensors associated with said plurality of visible keys generates said corresponding pointer movement signal when a corresponding marked key area is contacted. 
   
   
     13. The keyboard of  claim 11 , wherein in said pointing mode, each of said plurality of key sensors associated with said plurality of hidden keys generates said corresponding pointer movement signal when a corresponding unmarked key area is contacted. 
   
   
     14. The keyboard of  claim 11 , wherein in said pointing mode, a key sensor associated with one of said plurality of visible keys in combination with a key sensor associated with a hidden key generates said corresponding pointer movement signal when said corresponding marked key area and corresponding unmarked key area are simultaneously contacted. 
   
   
     15. The keyboard of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a reference point, wherein said pointer movement signal provides pointer direction and pointer speed of a pointer based on a direction and distance of said at least one of said plurality of key sensors that are actuated relative to said reference point. 
 
   
   
     16. The keyboard of  claim 11 , wherein said keyboard remains in said pointing mode as long as said mode switch is actuated. 
   
   
     17. The keyboard of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a left mouse button; and 
 a right mouse button. 
 
   
   
     18. The keyboard of  claim 11 , wherein said keyboard is rollable. 
   
   
     19. The keyboard of  claim 11 , wherein each of said plurality of key sensors comprises a corresponding key switch and a corresponding keychip. 
   
   
     20. The keyboard of  claim 11 , wherein said corresponding key chip comprises a debouncer circuit. 
   
   
     21. The keyboard of  claim 11 , wherein each of said plurality of marked key areas is dimpled.